Page 101 of King of Clubs

He reappeared, discharge papers in hand and an apologetic look on his face as Felicity and Eva followed him through the door.

“Hey, lovely,” Flick said, leaning in to give me a hug, remnants of chlorine mixing with the pineapple and amber smells of her perfume.

“Hello, you work at the pools today?” I asked.

“Sure did. We’ve missed you,” she grinned, stepping aside as Eva stepped forward to hug me.

“Hi Marls. Sorry we haven’t visited earlier,” she said, shooting her brother an annoyed glance. “Someone has been fairly strict with who isallowedto see you.”

“Doctor’s orders,” Seb huffed and I laughed.

“Sure,” she said with an eye roll. “Mum sends her love. She made you these,” Eva held a container of some delicious looking cookies and my stomach grumbled in response. “Mine are better though,” she added with a wink.

“Oh, these look amazing. Please tell her I said thank you.” Warmth fluttered in my chest and I looked over at Seb who was smiling softly, leaning against the wall, clearly enjoying my discomfort at being the centre of attention once again.

“You guys really didn’t need to come all this way. I’m going home soon.”

Eva sat on the end of the bed and opened the biscuits, offering them around. “Are you serious? I’ve never had a sister and Seb was being such a grouch about letting anyone see you so I refused to leave the waiting room until he let me in,” she shrugged and I again glanced at Seb to see him roll his eyes in a, ‘see what I have to put up with’ gesture.

“So, what have I missed?” I asked and as Flick began recounting random moments from the past few days, I basked in the joy which came with having people who cared about you. People who showed up for you no matter what.

“How’s Uni?” I asked Eva. We’d all finally recovered after another of Felicity’s hilarious stories from her job teaching kids to swim which included having to evacuate early today when a child found the terror of swimming too much, resulting in acode brownemergency.

Eva sighed and ran her hands down her face. “Urgh. Don’t even ask. I’m so glad it’s almost over. I just want to be done and start working properly, you know? And just quietly, I need to move out. Mum and Toby are just too much.” She scrunched her hands into fists and pressed them into her eyes.

“I can imagine,” I said, laughing at the exasperation written all over her features. “Once I’m better, we definitely need to go and have lunch.”

The smile on her face was comforting. “Let’s definitely do that. I will give you ladies all the dirt on good, old Sebby boy over here,” she pointed her thumb over her shoulder in his direction. “Did you know he used to–”

“Okay, visiting hours are over,” Seb said, easily lifting his sister from the bed and placing her at the door.

“Later,” she called as Flick picked up her bag and blew me a kiss.

“Thanks for coming,” I called as Seb closed the door.

“Sorry about that. They’ve been waiting for hours and I really didn’t want to let them in but Eva is persistent. It was hard enough keeping Mum away and I know Eva had a million questions she was dying to ask but didn’t.” The warmth moved through my chest again and the tears that lingered close to the surface returned. I held my hand out for him, seeking his comfort. There was never a time where I felt more gratitude to one person. His strength poured into me and I knew without him, I wouldn’t be so calm.

“Don’t be silly. I don’t mind at all. Really. It’s been a long time since I have had so many people who care. I adore your sister – especially when she drives you crazy. And Felicity is hilarious. I could survive on her stories from work alone.” He brushed a tear which fell from my cheek and softly pressed his lips to mine.

I closed my eyes and sighed, feeling a sense of fulfilment I hadn’t felt since before my parents passed.

“Take me home?” I asked, suddenly exhausted, smiling contentedly at my gorgeous, hazel eyed lover.

Sebastian

Chapter Forty-Two

“You’vegotloveonthe brain, Marlee Rose.” Arna was sitting in my living room, Marlee’s head on her lap as they watched another movie where a couple fought the whole time until declaring their undying love for each other in the final two minutes. I wasn’t sure how women watched this shit, but having Arna here made Marlee smile a lot more than she had over the last few days and I would put up with their film choices for that alone. I’d also put up with my apartment being a revolving door of visitors as Mum, Toby and Eva, Brad and Sofi, Arna and her nan, Felicity, Andy, Jack and Jay all made multiple visits to deliver food, Hearts memorabilia and baked goods among other gifts. I had never hosted so many people, but I would do it daily just to see the way Marlee’s face lit up at the showering of love bestowed upon her.

Marlee and Arna wiped their tears, again appearing surprised that the couple, who we all knew were destined for each other from the opening thirty seconds of the film, wound up in a messy heap of kisses and fake laughter.

“How could you not when you get to watch a movie with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anistonandthey fall in love. It’s a recipe for success.”

Arna laughed as she straightened her legs and checked her phone.

“I’d rather read the book. I wish I could stay longer, but Andy will be here any minute and I need to shower before the game tonight. You going to watch?”

“Obviously. You suddenly think you’re the number one Hearts fan around here?” Marlee asked as Arna stood and stretched.

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